"The most effective way to defend our faith today is by multiplying disciple-makers and expanding our reach exponentially."

Dr. Stephen Cutchins
Executive Director of Truth That Matters

Dr. Stephen Cutchins has been involved at Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) in various roles for over 16 years. In 2023, he transitioned from the SES Board of Trustees to become the Executive Director of the newly launched Center for Innovative Training. In addition to his role at SES, he regularly preaches as a Teaching Pastor at First Baptist Simpsonville / Upstate Church in South Carolina and is a speaker for churches, conferences, and events across the country.

Before transitioning to full-time higher education work in 2024, he served as the Senior Pastor of a church with over 3,000 members for over seven years. With over two decades in ministry, Dr. Cutchins has also led as a Worship, Discipleship, and Student Pastor, serving in SC, NC, GA, and TX. Since 2022, Dr. Cutchins has coached pastors nationwide for the North American Mission Board’s Leadership Institute for Pastors. He also served on the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s Executive Board (2018-2023), as Chairman of the Priority Advance Committee, and on the SCBC Sexual Abuse Task Force.

He and his wife, Wendy, are Christian marriage counselors and Prepare/Enrich certified facilitators. Wendy earned a Doctorate in Educational Innovation in 2024 and has over 20 years of experience teaching in public and private settings. In 2023, they established The Cutchins Institute, LLC, for their consulting, speaking, writing, counseling, and coaching services.

Living in Augusta, GA, with Wendy and their daughters, Madi and Sarah, Dr. Cutchins enjoys golfing, running, and performing as a musician. He also loves traveling to biblical sites like Israel, Turkey, and Greece, and serves as a representative for the world-class travel company Travel With Friends, facilitating pastors and leaders in leading biblical training trips. His passions include family time, teaching the Word of God, and sharing God’s grace.

Dr. Stephen Cutchins, Executive Director of Truth That Matters
Dr. Stephen Cutchins giving the Southern Evangelical Seminary graduation commencement speech
Judge Phil Ginn and Dr. Stephen Cutchins recording for the Truth That Matters discipleship curriculum

From the Executive Director's Desk

Research Interests
and Expertise

Dr. Cutchins holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Apologetics and will complete his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University in 2024. He is an author, executive leadership coach, and biblical counselor with advanced certifications in cultural intelligence, church revitalization, church consulting, coaching, biblical counseling, and time management. He is a member of the International Christian Coaching Institute (ICCI) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

Publications

Dr. Cutchins is the author of Prove It – Defend the Christian Faith and co-author of Green Hearts – God’s Goodness in the Worst of Times. Stephen’s first book, Prove It, is now available as an online course. It is also used as a textbook in Universities, Bible Colleges, and Seminaries in North Carolina, Texas, and California. He is a contributing author for the 2016 Nelson’s Annual Preacher’s Sourcebook with general editor Dr. Ken Hemphill. In addition, Dr. Cutchins is a contributing author for the 2023 Everyday Joy and Peace: MyDaily® Devotional and the 2024 God’s Mercy, Grace, and Compassion: MyDaily® Devotional with general editor Dr. O.S. Hawkins.

Education

Ph.D. – Higher Education Leadership Studies
Dallas Baptist University – Dallas, TX,
Dissertation Phase: Anticipated Graduation, 2024

Continued Doctoral Studies
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2014

Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Apologetics
Southern Evangelical Seminary – Charlotte, NC
Graduated May, 2012

Master of Arts in Religion
Southern Evangelical Seminary – Charlotte, NC
Graduated May, 2008

Master of Education
Winthrop University – Rock Hill, SC
Graduated August, 2002

Bachelor of Education
Winthrop University – Rock Hill, SC
Graduated December, 1999